Some films need never be redone. Under the smart direction of ace French import Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2) audiences are treated to a whale of a good time in The Incredible Hulk. Soaring high thanks to a terrific script by Zak Penn (X2) this good time action epic from Universal Films and Marvel Studios currently is firing on all cylinders at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking), Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City Theatres around B.C. Listen closely during this 112-minute flick as certain “references” are made to Canada that locals are bound to lap up.
Much better than the first Hulk from Ang Lee in 2003 this new movie is smart and fun from the very start. After a quick recounting of how this monster came into being we’re off to the races as our poor misguided Bruce Banner is a man in a heap of trouble. Cast as an oddity with no country and no home this scientific experiment gone wrong now bides his time in balmy Brazil while he toils away mercilessly to find a cure to his ailment. Hot on his trail, however, are the U.S. military who have their own designs for this mild-mannered “escaped” scientist who holds powers that can only be described as awesome.
Military heavy Gen. Thaddesus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross still yearns to capture Dr. Bannen and has what looks like the entire U.S. army at his disposal. On loan to his “tracking” team is a new weapon of sorts: a Russian import named Emil Blonsky. Fighting and killing is in this man’s blood so when this tough guy comes across our Mr. Green you just know blood will flow!
Very clever cameo insertions and the usual Stan Lee appearance make this movie campy and clever in the extreme. There are some great chase moments through the favellas (slums) of Brazil before things get a bit unruly in those oh-so cluttered New York streets. A battle royal between the Hulk and some other monster of sorts is mildly reminiscent of those classic B-grade Japanese horror flicks a la Godzilla vs. King Kong. And the love interest is straight out of King Kong with Liv Tyler (Armageddon) suitable enough as the prize catch.
Great casting with stunning special effects makes The Incredible Hulk must see popcorn adrenalin-driven entertainment. Each actor looks to be having a grand old time of it with a smart emphasis on science only adding to this film’s lustre. Cast as Dr. Banner, the man who is the centre of all attention is Edward Norton (The Illusionist). Already one of the best actors of his generation Norton nails this role down pat and is thoroughly convincing throughout. Up to the challenge of a military man on a ‘simple’ seize and contain mission is William Hurt (Mr. Brooks) whose at his devilish best. Out to further cement American-Russian relations is Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction) who some may argue steals the show as Emil Blonsky, a wacko Soviet-born man of war ready to take on all comers.
Fun from start to finish with a great cameo at the end makes this sly bit of comic book fun full value for your time, which will be thoroughly enjoyed and well spent.
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The Incredible Hulk (14A) * * * *
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